Bud Selig says he’d ‘listen’ to talk about changing the DH rule: October 2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Vanek’s agent says no extension with Isles just yet

Oct 27, 2013, 9:11 PM EDT

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The Thomas Vanek – Matt Moulson trade is an eyebrow-raiser for plenty of reasons, but one important factor is that the New York Islanders gave up significant assets (two high-end picks) for a sniper on an expiring contract. Apparently that deal didn’t come with an already-agreed-upon contract extension, either.

That’s the word from Vanek’s agent Stephen Bartlett, who intimated to TSN’s Bob McKenzie that the 29-year-old might wait until the summer for a new deal (despite dropping an “excited to be an Islander” line).

“We’ll take it day by day and focus on the short term for now and see where we are at season’s end,” Bartlett said.

Translation: “We’re going to see if Vanek can score 50 or 60 goals skating with John Tavares, thus opening the door for an enormous auction.” Or, that’s at least how some might read it. 激安i20フェアウェイウッド

Now, there’s always the chance that the Islanders could roll out an offer Vanek cannot refuse. Or at least one that provides the kind of long-term security just about every player craves.

Still, Vanek’s in a great position here: playing a prime role for a better team alongside one of the best players in the NHL while gaining the opportunity to name his destination next summer. To think, just an hour ago he was one of the only bright spots on one of the bleakest rosters in the league …

Bud Selig says he’d ‘listen’ to talk about changing the DH rule

By Mike Oz3 hours agoBig League Stew

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ST. LOUIS — This time of year, the World Series shifts to a National League park and the chief rule difference between the AL and NL is amplified. The designated hitter.

That's especially true in a series like this year's, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, where Boston is forced to leave Mike Napoli on the bench. It's why, during the last few days, most press conferences here in St. Louis have included a question about the DH, its validity and whether one day, a World Series should be played with a single rule about pitchers hitting.

Most people asked are wise enough to say it's a question above their spot in the MLB hierarcy. Red Sox manager John Farrell said he wished there were a DH this series, but that's strictly selfish — what manager wouldn't want to have his top two power hitters in the lineup?

There's one guy here who is in the right place in the MLB org chart to field questions about the DH. That is commissioner Bud Selig. Saturday night, after the Roberto Clemente Award ceremony, Selig had a huddle of reporters around him hurling questions. That's when Selig said he'd "listen" if someone wanted to change the DH rule.

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On his way out of the commissioner's office next year, could Selig be pondering an 11th hour, history-of-baseball-shifting move? Probably not. But he's at least paying lip service to keep his ears open:

"I did say three or four years ago I had very strong feelings on instant replay," Selig said, "and like everything else in life you make adjustments, and I now have somewhat different feelings," Selig said. "So I'm never going to say never to anything. Okay? But at the moment, is there anything going on? No. But if somebody has something to say (on changing the DH rules), I'm glad to listen."

Listening is a lot different than acting. Listening is even a lot different than considering a change. But, rejoice, DH lovers and/or haters, Bud Selig is happy to hear you out. We think you should write him a letter.